The Yakama Nation is a federally recognized Nation pursuant to the Treaty of 1855 (12 Stat. 951). Yakama Nation has reserved lands and rights covering over twenty million acres throughout what are now the states of Washington and Oregon. The Yakama Nation actively works to preserve, protect and restore fish populations and habitat throughout our usual and accustomed fishing and gathering areas.



Outsite forces have reduced salmon numbers and created a polluted and life threatening environment for salmon (fish resources) to live. For many years, Yakamas have fought to protect salmon and salmon habitat. Today, Yakamas continue the struggle of protecting salmon and honoring our obligation.



Under Superfund law, Congress recognized tribes' inherent authority as natural resource trustees and their right to oversee response actions in areas that affect tribal interests. At the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, the Yakama Nation serves a support role to the EPA and oversees the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) process. The goal is to ensure the process leads to a technically sound cleanup protective of the resources important for sustaining the cultural practices of Yakama Nation's members.


Documents:

Withdrawal from Portland Harbor Trustee Council Letter from Yakama Nation Chairman Ralph Sampson, Jr. dated June 5, 2009

Withdrawal Background Materials

Oregonian article on Yakama Nation’s withdrawal from the Portland Harbor Trustee Council dated June 10, 2009

Participation Opportunity Letter from Yakama Nation Chairman Ralph Sampson, Jr. dated September 4, 2009

Yakama Nation’s Early Settlement Option & Damage Assessment Plan

Draft Assumptions and Initial Studies

PowerPoint Presentation - September 23, 2009

Draft Injury Assessment Plan

Lower Columbia River Juvenile Salmon Persistent Organic Pollutant Exposure Assessment Data Report, July 2009

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